Review of Individual Influence

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Individual Influence" by Brian Smith and Mary Smith.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Individual Influence: Find the “I” in Team by Brian Smith and Mary Griffin gives a multifaceted perspective on group dynamics by focusing on the role that an individual has in their professional and personal life. Smith argues that one should recognize and harness unique strengths (“advantages”) to benefit oneself and others. Thus, this book centers on the belief that influence is an individual’s ultimate responsibility.

Smith begins by distinguishing lowercase individual (a person, task, or action) and uppercase Individual (a group or entity of individuals). Smith and Griffin guide us through a path of individual realization to become better individuals and Individuals. He also refers to himself as “we” (and not “I”) to show that individuals have external influences and support networks that help us achieve our goals. Despite using the “we” pronoun, Smith emphasizes that we must focus on personal growth before influencing collective growth.

I liked how Smith defines prosperity as personal, allowing readers to find their way of realizing prosperity. Smith and Griffin remind us that the path to prosperity requires vulnerability, honesty with oneself, and uncomfortable self-reflection. Smith and Griffin offer the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) methodology for us to apply and flourish in our lives.

I learned that we have two types of accountability (self and outsourced) and how to self-reflect on them to grow as people. I learned (in Mary’s chapter) about horns bias and contrast bias, allowing me to understand more unconscious and subconscious biases.

I rate Individual Influence 5 out of 5 stars for the following reasons:

(1) Individual Influence was professionally edited and contains very few grammatical errors. The reading experience contains no jargon. The messages are clear and precise.

(2) Individual Influence covers many topics (many of which could be books in themselves). However, the lack of depth does not hamper the reading experience. The authors provide personal examples and lessons learned to make the topics memorable and relatable.

(3) Readers connect with and empathize with Smith’s failures (like his juvenile criminal record and failed business decisions) and personal growth. We also relate to Griffin’s vulnerabilities (like her generational bias confession) and self-reflections that led to her prosperity.

(4) The book gives personal examples to help businesses and individuals avoid mistakes and have a solid foundation to succeed.

Individual Influence must have reviews with different content than mine because it has a lot of content. I look forward to reading them. I highly recommend this book.

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Individual Influence
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